Jesus didn’t tell stories for applause—He told them to awaken our hearts. In the Rich Man and Lazarus, Jesus challenges how we view success, blessing, and eternity. It’s not just about the afterlife—it’s about the kingdom of Heaven or Hell being formed in us now.
REVIEW: Prosperity can be spiritually dangerous.
- READ: Luke 16:19–21 — “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
- DISCUSS: What are some ways prosperity might be dulling your awareness of others or your dependence on God?
REVIEW: Greed produces Hell on earth.
- READ: Luke 16:22–26 — “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place…’” - DISCUSS: What does it mean that greed can create Hell now—not just later? What does it look like to invite His Kingdom to come in your daily life?
REVIEW: Your circumstances now may be a poor indication of what is to come.
- READ: Luke 16:27–29 — “‘He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’” - DISCUSS: What dangers come with using worldly success as your spiritual measuring stick? How can you anchor your identity and future in the Word and presence of Jesus instead?
REVIEW: Pride is the only reason anyone experiences Hell here or in eternity.
- READ: Luke 16:30–31 — “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” - DISCUSS: What might it look like to humble yourself today before God and others? How is Jesus inviting you to listen, surrender, and believe?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Father, thank You for revealing truth through Your Word. Help us not just to hear, but to truly listen. We confess the ways pride, greed, and comfort can dull our hearts to You and to others. We want to follow You—not just to escape Hell—but because life with You is better. Grow Heaven in our hearts, in our homes, and in our church. Shape us into people who welcome, serve, and love like Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
Let this parable shake you out of spiritual complacency and into Kingdom living:
- Examine your heart: Where might prosperity, pride, or comfort be dulling your soul?
- Build Heaven, not Hell: Ask, Is Jesus ruling in this part of my life? Invite His Lordship in.
- Stay humble: Pride builds the chasm; humility builds the bridge. Let Jesus close the gap.
- Make room for the outsider: Who’s at your gate right now, waiting to be seen?
- Give intentionally: Let your generosity push back the darkness. Start giving what greed once hoarded.
Let the comfort you once clung to become the compassion that leads others to Christ.